Inappropriate Use of Forceps Leading to Birth Injuries

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Forceps Leading to Birth Injuries in Oregon

The birth of a baby is a joyous time for all parents to be. It is not uncommon to sometimes require assistance in the delivery of a baby. There are many different ways in which a mother may require assistance with delivery. Assistance may include labor inducing drugs (i.e. Pitocin), use of other labor aids such as a peanut ball to aid in dilation, or a c-section if labor is not progressing the way it should or if complications arise. Forceps may be needed.  But inappropriate use of forceps leading to birth injuries in Oregon.

Sometimes, the labor is uneventful and the mother is able to progress to the point of delivering, but then for one reason or another struggles to deliver the baby. In this case, sometimes the use of extraction tools (i.e  forceps or vacuum extractor) are needed. While many babies are born with the use of extraction tools, there are times when injuries can result from the use of these tools, especially if used inappropriately. When injuries occur and it is due to misuse of extraction tools, it is considered to be medical malpractice. 

Forceps to Aid in Delivery

Sometimes, as mentioned above babies need assistance in delivery out of the birth canal. Forceps look like a pair of tongs which are positioned on each side of the baby’s head to remove them from the birth canal. There are many different types of forceps, and it is up to the physician to choose what type of forceps should be used for the safest delivery. This extraction method is not uncommon, but carries a high risk for injury. 

Medical Malpractice Related Forceps Birth Injuries

While not every injury is due to medical malpractice, often times injuries from the use of forceps are due to improper use of the tool. Serious injuries can occur with the inappropriate use of forceps. Examples of inappropriate use of forceps leading to birth injuries, include the following:

  • Forceps are used but are not indicated based on specified criteria (i..e maternal exhaustion, fetal distress, or prolonged labor)
  • Excessive force or inappropriate maneuvering of the forceps while in contact with the baby, leading to injury
  • Severe injury from the use of forceps (i.e. brain hemorrhage or hydrocephalus)
  • Failure to treat any injuries sustained from the use of forceps
  • Use of the wrong type of forceps to aid in delivery, resulting in injury

Injuries Due to the Inappropriate Use of Forceps

There are many birth injuries that can occur from the use of forceps. Examples of these injuries include the following:

  • Hydrocephalus – cerebral spinal fluid buildup in the baby’s brain
  • Hematoma – collection of blood or fluid around the brain due to trauma
  • Intracranial hemorrhage – bleeding within the brain or head due to the use of forceps
  • Brain damage
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Skull fractures
  • Facial palsy
  • Facial injury
  • Nerve injuries
  • External eye trauma 

These are just a few of the many injuries that can occur as a result of the inappropriate use of forceps. It is important to have your child’s case investigated if they suffered a serious injury due to the use of forceps. 

Forceps Leading to Birth Injuries

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.

Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton,  Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles,  St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.

For a free case evaluation

Call

(541) 385-1999 in Bend, Oregon
(503) 479-3646 in Portland, Oregon
(612) 444-3374 in Minnesota

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